Stunning Hannah | A Halfpenny London bride

Beautiful bride Hannah Banks-Walker married Tom Neville in September last year. The couple placed huge emphasis on making sure their guests were looked after and enjoyed a joyful celebration, full of energy from start to finish.

Working in fashion, Hannah spends her days looking at clothes and has a strong sense of personal style. I was lucky enough to meet Hannah before Tom popped the question and was thrilled when she came to see us again to search for her wedding dress.

“I’d actually seen a Halfpenny creation as I was doing something for work a year before Tom asked me to marry him and had taken a screenshot of it just because I thought it was quite unusual and so pretty. I had absolutely no idea Tom was going to propose when he did – it was a huge shock. I spent a while trawling through pictures of dresses online until I found the very same one I had bookmarked for my work project. It was clearly meant to be!”

I’d already met Kate when I had interviewed her for Grazia and she had shown me her new collection. I instantly loved her – she’s warm, funny, smart and kind and I soon discovered she has cultivated a team with the same traits. Some of my friends who are married told me of quite shocking experiences in bridal boutiques – one asked my friend how much weight she was planning to lose before the wedding! – but I have to say that there’s no place more welcoming than Halfpenny. I just felt totally at ease and didn’t feel under any pressure, either.”

It was so wonderful helping Hannah during her appointment. We had such a great time playing with my range of separates and building the perfect look.

“My dress was actually a skirt and two tops, although you wouldn’t know that from looking at it as it just looks so complete. I have a major thing for sleeves, so as soon as Kate showed me an organza top with puff sleeves embroidered with beautiful appliquéd flowers, I knew I wanted her to make my wedding dress! I wanted something romantic and classic but which felt modern. I wanted to be able to move, hug and dance while still feeling like I’m wearing something utterly amazing.

Anyone who knows me knows I don’t really do casual. I’m always in a dress, normally with some sort of headband and a great pair of shoes. So, I needed a dress that felt special enough without tipping over into Too Much. No mean feat, really! But that’s exactly how I felt when I tried on my dress for the first time. I also love that because it’s a skirt and top, I can re-work those pieces and wear them again. My only sadness is that I’m not sure how socially acceptable it will be for me to wear my veil on a daily basis. Not sure Tesco is ready for that…”

Hannah’s final look was so dreamy and she looked incredible! She added a stunning Jane Taylor pearl and Swarovski crystal hairband, sapphire and diamond earrings gifted from her parents and a pendant Tom had had made using a diamond which once belonged to his great grandmother: it was originally part of a ring with two other diamonds, which are now on Hannah’s engagement ring. Such a beautiful touch!

Sending all the love and luck in the world to Hannah and Tom and wishing them a long and blissful marriage. Huge congratulations you two!

Love,

Kate & the Halfpennys xxx

CREDITS

Images by Claire Pepper and Caroline Greenwell

Flowers: Lavender Green Flowers

Reception: Brunswick House

Headband: Jane Taylor London

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Make-Up: Madeleine Spencer

Hair: Hollie Rose